The storyline flowing better in Absolution than in previous installments actually hurt the game rather than help it. Hitman has gameplay that is unique enough that players would enjoy it with or without any storyline. However, what Square Enix have done with Absolution is sacrificed some of what made the previous games so great in terms of gameplay just so they could link the story between missions.
i've not played a hitman game before this one, so far i like the story and it hasn't confused me. (i'm about 2 thirds through the story iirc) i haven't played ac3 but my mate has both on 360 and says he slightly prefers hitman.
Less than a month until Hitman HD collection though, so at least thats something good to come out of the makers
Hope you guys have fun with that. I hear a lot of people being disappointed in hitman games. New and Old.